Accordingly, the Ministry stipulates that the earliest time to return to school is 1 week before the opening day. For grade 1, the earliest time to return to school is 2 weeks before the opening day. Schools nationwide will open the new school year on September 5, 2023.

First graders will return to school at least 2 weeks before the opening day.

The semester ends before January 15, 2024; the second semester education plan is completed before May 25, 2024 and the school year ends before May 31, 2024. The recognition of completion of primary school and recognition of secondary school graduation must be considered before June 30, 2024; enrollment of first-level classes must be completed before July 31, 2024.

Organizing high school graduation exams and national exams according to regulations and instructions of the Ministry of Education and Training.

Regarding the principles of building the local school year schedule, the Ministry of Education and Training noted: The local school year schedule must ensure the number of actual study weeks. Specifically, for preschool education and general education, there are 35 actual study weeks (18 weeks in semester I and 17 weeks in semester II). For continuing education (implementing the secondary and high school education programs): Grade 9 in secondary school and grade 12 in high school have 32 actual study weeks (16 weeks in each semester). Grades 6, 7, 8 in secondary school and grades 10 and 11 in high school have 35 actual study weeks (18 weeks in semester I and 17 weeks in semester II).

The Ministry also noted that the school year schedule must be consistent with the characteristics and practical conditions of the locality. Holidays and Tet holidays are implemented according to the provisions of the Labor Code and annual guidelines.

Teachers' annual leave is taken during the summer vacation or can be arranged alternately at other times of the year to suit the specific characteristics and school year schedule of the locality.

The school year schedule needs to ensure consistency for all levels of education in a residential area, especially in general schools with many levels of education.

The Chairman of the People's Committee of the province or centrally-run city shall decide on the school year schedule for preschool education, general education and continuing education in accordance with local realities. The time for returning to school early and the extension of the school year shall not exceed 15 days compared to the time prescribed by the Ministry of Education and Training in the 2023-2024 school year schedule framework to ensure the implementation and completion of preschool education, general education and continuing education programs in case of natural disasters or epidemics; report to the Ministry of Education and Training on special cases arising before implementation.

The Director of the Department of Education and Training decides to let students stay home from school in case of extreme weather, natural disasters and arrange make-up classes; ensure teachers' time off during the school year. Localities report to the Ministry of Education and Training on the preparation for the school year and the organization of the opening ceremony of the 2023-2024 school year before September 10, 2023; summarize the first semester before January 31, 2024; summarize the school year, report on the implementation of emulation criteria and propose awards for the school year before June 25, 2024.

LINH AN

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